AN 11-YEAR-OLD girl was fighting for her life last night and her twin brother was recovering from an operation after they were struck by a motorcycle on their way to school.

The youngsters were crossing the A50 London Road in Holmes Chapel yesterday morning when they were in collision with a black Aprilia 125cc motorcycle.

The girl received serious head and leg injuries and paramedics worked to stabilise her at the scene.

Her brother suffered a badly broken leg. Both children were taken to North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary.

The motorcyclist did not require hospital treatment.

Spokesman for Mersey Regional Ambulance Service, Kevin Mulcahy, said: "We were on the scene within five minutes.

"One of the children received multiple injuries and was stabilised before being taken to hospital.

"The other child and motorcyclist were less seriously hurt."

Last night, the girl was described as critical. Her brother was in a stable condition after an operation on his leg.

After the incident at 8.10am, the road was closed at its junction with Mill Lane for several hours.

Police are appealing for witnesses and are keen to hear from the rider of a Honda CBR motorcycle which passed the scene just before the accident. Anyone with information should contact the traffic unit at Northwich Police Station on 01606-48000.